Category: February 2025

Frontier Scientific constructs Wilmington airport life sciences hub

Frontier Scientific construction at Wilmington airport resizedConstruction of Frontier Scientific Solutions’ cGMP temperature-controlled facilities at Wilmington International Airport is underway with the installation of the first vertical structures.

The project is set to be the largest GMP temperature-controlled facility fully dedicated to the life sciences sector in North America, which will strengthen Wilmington’s position as a critical hub in the global life sciences supply chain.

The facility will enhance the efficiency and security of transporting time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products.

It will play a crucial role in establishing a direct global gateway for life sciences to connect North America and Europe.

Leandro Moreira, COO of Frontier Scientific Solutions, says, “It represents a significant leap forward in our mission to revolutionise the life sciences supply chain. By providing the largest GMP temperature-controlled space in North America, we are not only enhancing operational efficiencies but also ensuring that critical healthcare products reach patients in need without delay.”

Advanced features of the Wilmington facility will include streamlined customs processing through its Free Trade Zone designation, which offers duty deferral and operational efficiencies that are vital for life science products crossing international borders.

Jeff Bourk, CEO of Wilmington International Airport, says, “The construction of this facility marks a pivotal moment for the life sciences industry for ILM Airport and North Carolina. The commitment to developing cutting-edge infrastructure will empower companies to deliver essential healthcare products with unmatched speed and precision, ultimately saving lives.”

Aurrigo develops rain algorithm for Auto-DollyTug

Aurrigo Auto-DollyTug Rain Close Up resizedAurrigo International has developed software so its Auto-DollyTug can operate heavy rain and snow conditions.

The newly-developed algorithm will help it detect the difference between drops of rain and objects whilst operating in up to 50mm of precipitation per hour.

Combined with new housing to better protect LiDAR sensors, the software means the Auto-DollyTug can move baggage and cargo around airports in intense conditions.

It has been tested in scheduled simulated rain and opportunistic heavy rain, both proved by observations and rain meter readings.

Simon Brewerton, Chief Technical Officer of Aurrigo International, said: “AVs using this technology rely on the reflection feedback of laser beams for localisation and object recognition and, in intense weather, the scattering and absorption of laser beams by raindrops can lead to distorted signals, compromising the vehicle’s ability to accurately perceive its surroundings.”

The two key features of the software are filtering the rain into five spatial zones around the vehicle with the strength of filtering varying on proximity.

The second feature adjusted the field height settings and ‘near field’ low profiles were added due to the differences in scan properties between unfiltered and filtered scans, which made it challenging to detect low-lying obstacles and reflective surfaces.

Sam Layton, Regional VP Singapore at Aurrigo International said that the Auto-DollyTug could operate autonomously with no ghost or intermittent stops, react to a box or person cross its path and safely navigate a T-junction with oncoming traffic.

Layton said: “All of this had to be achieved under 15mm of rainfall per the customer’s requirement, which we successfully passed. Since then, we have increased our capabilities and operated airside on live trials with rainfall of 50mm per hour. This is a real game-changing moment for autonomous vehicles and aviation.”

Manual operations must cease during a CAT5 lightning risk due to the electrocution risk to humans, which happens frequently in places like Singapore due to the rainforest climate and inclement weather.

The development creates the potential to build a fully autonomous turnaround for operations in the worst weather conditions.

Layton said: “Our enhancement, together with other advanced systems, mean flight schedules will be maintained whilst reducing risk of injury to airside workers, two key priorities for airlines, and airport and ground support operators.”

New Terminal One at JFK issues RFPs for handling services

Picture credit: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Picture credit: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to provide handling services at the terminal.

The terminal, which is scheduled to open next year and serve international flights, has issued two RFPs, one for above the wing services and one for below the wing services.

New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK, which will include two new terminals, the modernisation and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation centre and an entirely new, simplified road network.

Above the wing service providers will support guests in the terminal by providing baggage and check-in services, boarding and flight escort, operating the Baggage Service Office, assisting passengers in the re-check area, meeting arriving flights and assisting during irregular operations.

Below the wing service providers will be required to provide fully trained and experienced labour service, offer safe, smooth and efficient operations for airlines, passengers, service providers and other stakeholders, and utilise electric GSE for aircraft servicing and support.

Marisa Von Wieding, Vice President of Operations at New Terminal One, said: “The selected providers will be instrumental in setting new standards for airport operations and maintaining the New Terminal One’s position as a global leader in the aviation industry.”

Interested parties are asked to contact procurement@onejfk.com for further information about the RFPs and have until 26 March 2025 to submit their proposals.

dnata turns Orlando airport into “Station of Tomorrow”

dnata Orlando airport Station of Tomorrow resizeddnata has unveiled the “Station of Tomorrow” at Orlando International Airport, introducing the latest technologies across operations to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The Orlando station sets new standards for ground handling in the USA with dnata’s $3 million investment including a fully electric GSE fleet along with a range of advanced passenger services, telematics, resource management, virtual training and anti-collision systems.

The project is designed to foster economic growth deliver benefits to local businesses and communities by strengthening the local aviation sector.

dnata’s partners in the project include Lufthansa Group, Oshkosh AeroTech, Evitado Technologies and AVIAR.

David Barker, Regional CEO for Americas at dnata, said: “We are proud to invest in Orlando, the home of dnata’s USA Headquarters, and lead the way in shaping the future of ground handling. This initiative aligns with our commitment to implementing practical, scalable solutions that enhance operational performance, safety, and service quality for our airline partners and their passengers.”

He added that dnata is committed to implementing the model across its 22 locations in the USA.

Jörg Mnich, Vice President Commercial Airport Agreements at Lufthansa Group, said: “Especially having Discover Airlines as launching customer at the “Station of Tomorrow” in MCO experiencing this big step in technology development shows the spirit of the partnership that has been established over the past years. We are keen to see the deployment of the tools and equipment to other joint stations across the network in due time.”

Lars Michael Wendel, Nominated Person Ground Operations at Discover Airlines, added: “With the ‘Station of Tomorrow,’ Discover Airlines can offer our customers a new experience that combines efficient technological processes and environmental aspects. We are particularly excited about the new E-GSE and the anti-collision system, which make the turnaround more environmentally friendly and meet the airlines’ high safety standards.”

In Orlando, dnata will operate a fleet of 14 electric GSE units including cargo loaders, pushbacks, bag tugs and belt loaders.

The passenger journey will be enhanced with check-in and baggage kiosks, baggage drop points and conveyor belt management systems to improve the passenger experience and minimise waiting times.

The ground handling system utilises a single digital platform to streamline operations, managing all aspects of ground handling processes from planning and scheduling to execution and reporting.

Advanced telematics systems will monitor real-time equipment usage and performance, enabling data-driven decision-making to reduce downtime and optimise operational efficiency.

The telematics solution ensures that drivers are fully trained and qualified via a direct link to dnata’s Learning Management System.

Virtual reality training complements classroom lessons, featuring scenario-based simulations in a zero-risk environment to build confidence and ensure safe, high-quality service.

The resource management system will optimise workforce and equipment allocation to keep operations agile and make sure resources are utilised efficiently.

AI-powered tools will enhance monitoring capabilities, ensuring safety, accuracy and operational oversight across baggage and ramp operations.

Collision avoidance systems will be implemented to mitigate risks through actionable data insights, enhancing safety and efficiency in ground towing operations.